Narrative:The left wing hit the approach lights of runway 20. The DC-9 touched down about 50 m short of the runway, causing both main gear to separate. The aircraft slid for 580 m and came to rest with a ruptured right wing rear spar web. This caused the opening of the integral right wing fuel tank, allowing fuel to escape and feed a post crash fire.

This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path. Distance from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Vigo Airport as the crow flies is 461 km (288 miles).